Monthly Access
A monthly charge for the ability to connect to a wireless network. This fee is assessed monthly whether the phone is actually used or not.

Direct Connect
Direct Connect is a term used by Nextel to describe the two way radio feature which allows multiple users to communicate directly with one another without dialing a phone number.

Off-Peak Period
Most carriers define the off-peak period as nights and weekends. Carriers tend to offer lower rates during these periods when network demand is low.

Peak Period
Most carriers define the peak period as weekdays between 7:00am to 7:00pm. Carriers tend to offer higher rates during this period when there are high levels of communications traffic on the system.

Peak Minute
Many carriers offer a package of minutes which can be used only during the peak periods.

Off-Peak Minute
Many carriers offers a package of minutes which can be used only during the off-peak periods.

Anytime, Anywhere Minutes
Many carriers offer a package of minutes which can be used during both peak and off-peak periods.

Contract
Many carriers offer service plans that include a one-, two- or three-year commitment. Carriers often offer discounts on wireless phones if you subscribe to a service plan with a contract.

Rate per Additional Minute
Many service plans offer a package of minutes per month. Once the subscriber surpasses the allotted minutes in a month, they will be charged a fee for each additional minute of use (e.g., $.24/minute).

Regional Roaming
In some cases, there is an additional charge for placing a call outside of the local calling area.

National Roaming
In some cases, there is an additional charge for placing a call outside of the home state calling area.

Prepaid Cellular
A system allowing subscribers to pay in advance for wireless service. Prepaid is generally used for customers with credit problems or those who want to adhere to a budget.

Phone Insurance
This guarantees a replacement phone if yours is lost, damaged, or stolen. Most carriers offer this insurance for a small monthly fee.

Standby Time
The amount of time you can leave your fully-charged wireless phone turned on before the batteries will be depleted.

Talk Time
The amount of time you can talk on your fully-charged wireless phone before the batteries will be depleted.

Weight
The weight of the phone including the standard battery.

Dual Band
A feature on some wireless phones that allows the handset to operate using either the 800 MHz cellular or the 1900 MHz PCS frequencies.

Dual Mode
A feature on some wireless phones that allows the handset to operate on both analog and digital networks.

Tri-Mode Handset
Phones that work on three frequencies, typically using 1900 MHz, 800 MHz digital, or reverting to 800 MHz analog cellular when digital is not available.

Electronic Serial Number (ESN)
Each wireless phone is assigned a unique ESN, which is automatically transmitted to the base station every time a call is placed.

AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service)
An analog cellular phone service standard used in the US and other countries.

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
A spread spectrum air interface technology used in some digital cellular, personal communications services and other wireless networks.

GSM (Global Standard for Mobile)
A digital communication technology used by certain carriers to provide PCS and digital cellular service.

PCS (Personal Communication Services)
PCS systems use the 1.9 GHz band rather than cellular phones (800 Mhz) and generally use all digital technology for transmission and reception.